Interreg Europe - Interregional Cooperation Programme

A regional development agency in Portugal discovers that a Polish region has solved the same challenge they face—getting small businesses to adopt digital technologies. Through Interreg Europe, they exchange knowledge, adapt the Polish approach to Portuguese conditions, and embed the solution in their regional policy. This is the Interreg Europe model: regions learning from each other to improve regional development policies.nian city wants to learn how Copenhagen built its cycling infrastructure, or a Portuguese region seeks to replicate Bavaria’s successful cluster policy for SMEs, Interreg Europe makes it happen. This program funds the structured exchange of policy experience across European regions—helping public authorities learn from each other and improve their regional development strategies.

At a Glance

What is Interreg Europe?

Interreg Europe is an EU-funded program supporting interregional cooperation across all of Europe. It enables public authorities and other regional development stakeholders to share experiences and improve policies in areas from SME competitiveness to renewable energy to cultural heritage.uropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It’s specifically designed for policy learning—helping regions improve their policies by learning from each other.

The Core Concept### The Core Concept

**This is NOT a funding program for:**Unlike programs that fund research or infrastructure, Interreg Europe funds the exchange of experience between regional authorities. The goal is for participating regions to change their policy instruments (like regional strategies or funding programs) based on what they learn from each other.

• Implementing infrastructure projects
• Funding direct services to citizenss It Unique
• Technology development or R&D t implementing projects, but improving policies This IS a program for: different EU regions, not neighboring areas
• Learning how other regions have solved similar policy challenges**: Designed for regional/local government participation
• Exchanging good practices across European regionses changes to actual policy instruments
• Improving regional development policies based on what works elsewhereange and good practice transfer
• Building lasting networks for policy cooperation

Program Priorities

Two Funding Instruments

Priority 1: Smarter Europe (PO1)

1. Interregional Cooperation Projects

• 3-4 year multi-partner projects
• Up to €2 million
• Deep thematic cooperation
• Focus on policy change

2. Policy Learning Platform### Priority 2: Greener Europe (PO2)

• Thematic networks and events
• Expert support on demand
• Peer reviews and policy advice
• Lighter-touch engagement

Thematic Priorities

(PO3) Interreg Europe focuses on four policy objectives aligned with EU cohesion policy:connectivity:

Priority 1: Smarter Europe

• Innovation ecosystems
• Digitalization of SMEs
• Research and innovation capacity
• Smart specialization strategiesial Europe (PO4)
• Industrial transitionEmployment and social inclusion:

Priority 2: Greener Europe

• Energy efficiency
• Renewable energy
• Climate adaptation
• Circular economy
• Biodiversity and green infrastructure
• Sustainable urban mobility

Priority 3: More Connected Europeent:

• Digital connectivity
• Sustainable transport
• Smart mobility solutions

Priority 4: Social Europe

• Labor market access| Partners | 3-8 from different countries |
• Education and training
• Social inclusion
• Culture and sustainable tourism
• Healthcare systemsPhase 1 (Years 1-3): Cooperation een partners

Specific Objective: Better Governance- Identify good practices

policy improvement Cross-cutting focus on:s and learning events

• Administrative capacity building
• Multi-level governance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Evidence-based policymaking
• Document results and impacts

Eligibility Requirements

Policy Learning Platforms

Who Can Apply

lable without application:

Partnership Requirements| Regional authorities | ✅ Yes | 80% |

Geographic Eligibility### Partnership Requirements

EU Member States: All 27 member states| Requirement | Details |

Partner Countries: Norway, Switzerland (at 70% funding rate)

Policy Instrument Requirementpread** | From at least 3 different countries |

| Lead Partner | Must be public authority or body governed by public law | Each project partner must identify a policy instrument they want to improve:

• Regional innovation strategies
• Operational programs (ERDF, ESF+)
• Regional development strategies
• Sectoral policies (energy, transport, SME support)reg Europe. A policy instrument is a:
• Regional/national investment program (like ERDF programs) This is crucial: Interreg Europe is about improving policies, not implementing projects.

How Projects Work

Phase 1: Exchange & Learning (First 2-3 years)Each partner must identify their policy instrument and show how the project will improve it.

• Analyze policy challenges in each partner region### Participating Countries
• Identify and share good practices
• Conduct study visits and thematic workshops
• Develop action plans for policy improvement
• Engage local stakeholders in learning process## Application Process

Outputs:### Stage 1: Partnership Building

• Good practice inventory
• Thematic analysis reports
• Action plans for each partner
• Find partners facing similar challenges in other regions

Phase 2: Monitoring & Implementation (Final 1-2 years)olicy instrument to improve

• Agree on project concept and partnership structure
• Implement action plans (policy changes)
• Monitor progress and document resultsPartner Search Support:
• Share lessons learned
• Build sustainability beyond project

Outputs:

• Policy improvements documented
• Implementation reports
• Sustainability strategy

The Action Planreement (draft)

• Letters of commitment from each partner Each partner develops an Action Plan that describes:
• Which policy instrument will be improved
• What changes will be implemented
• What resources are needed
• Timeline for implementationomposition and capacity
• Expected results and indicators- Cooperation approach and activities

Action Plans are the core deliverable—they translate learning into policy change.- Budget and work plan

Application Process

Stage 1: Check Eligibility & Build PartnershipEligibility Check:

ve compliance Before applying:- Partner eligibility

• Confirm your organization’s eligibility
• Identify policy instrument(s) to improve
• Find partners through Interreg Europe partner search Assessment:**
• Verify interest and capacity of potential partners

Stage 2: Concept Note (Some Calls)

| Relevance | 25 points | Some calls require initial concept notes: |

• Project idea summary| Approach | 25 points |
• Partnership composition
• Policy relevance
• Expected outcomes

Stage 4: Selection and Contracting

Interreg Europe offers a unique opportunity for regional policymakers to learn from peers across Europe—not just attending conferences, but deeply engaging with how other regions have solved the same challenges you face, and implementing those lessons in your own context.- You see cooperation as networking rather than learning- You need quick results (projects take 3-4 years)- You’re not involved in policy decisions- You’re a private company- You want funding to implement projects directlyNot the right fit if:- You have political support for policy improvement- You can commit staff time over 3-4 years- You want to learn from how other regions solved similar challenges- You manage or influence regional development policies- You’re a public authority or public bodyStrong fit if:## Is Interreg Europe Right for You?Organizations participating without funding—typically major stakeholders, EU-level bodies, or organizations from non-eligible countries contributing expertise.### What’s an “advisory partner”?Not required, but helpful. Projects with experienced lead partners tend to perform better. Less experienced organizations might join as partners first.### Is prior Interreg experience required?Action Plans continue beyond the project (monitoring phase). Some policy changes take time. Document progress and lessons learned regardless of timing.### What if our policy doesn’t change during the project?Yes. Local authorities are eligible. They typically focus on policy instruments they control or influence.### Can a city apply?No. Interreg Europe funds policy improvement activities, not infrastructure or service delivery. However, your Action Plan might influence how Structural Funds invest.### Do we need to implement physical investments?Interreg Europe covers all EU countries and focuses on policy learning. Other Interreg programs (cross-border, transnational) cover specific geographic areas and fund various types of projects.### What’s the difference between Interreg Europe and other Interreg programs?Not as funded partners. However, they can be involved as stakeholders, participate in events, and contribute to policy discussions.### Can private companies participate?## Frequently Asked Questions- Budget-objective mismatch: Resources don’t match ambitions- Weak stakeholder strategy: No plan for local engagement- Unrealistic Action Plans: Changes beyond partner’s control- Generic activities: “Exchange visits” without learning objectives### Application Weaknesses- Ignoring politics: Assuming policy change is purely technical- No baseline: Not knowing current policy state- Vague policy focus: “Regional development” without specifics- Project mentality: Wanting to implement, not learn### Conceptual Errors- Unbalanced workload: One or two partners doing everything- Geographic gaps: Missing perspective from key regions- Missing key actors: No connection to policy decision-makers- Flag-of-convenience partners: Organizations joining for funding, not learning### Partnership Problems## Common Mistakes to Avoid- Investment in knowledge management- Flexibility to adapt during project- Managing authority engagement from start- Real problems partners want to solve- Lead partner with Interreg experience### Common Success Factors- Build relationships beyond project: Networks are the lasting value- Report challenges honestly: Program appreciates learning from difficulties- Take Action Plans seriously: They’re the core deliverable- Document everything: Good practices, challenges, adaptations- Engage stakeholders from start: Don’t wait for “stakeholder meeting phase”### During Implementation- Plan for sustainability: What continues after project ends?- Budget for stakeholder engagement: Policy change requires local buy-in- Show what you’ll learn FROM each partner: Not just general cooperation- Be concrete about policy change: Vague “policy improvement” isn’t convincing- Focus narrowly: Better to address one issue well than many superficially### Proposal Strategy- Include managing authorities: They control the policy instruments- Check commitment early: Organizations must dedicate staff time- Look for complementarity: Partners with solutions + partners with challenges- Use Interreg Europe partner search: Active database of interested organizations- Start 6-12 months before deadline: Good partnerships take time### Partnership Building## Insider Tips- Political backing for proposed changes- Strong stakeholder groups already engaged- Clear focus (not trying to address everything)- Diverse partnership with genuine expertise to share- Experienced lead partner with Interreg track record### Common Strengths- Sustainability beyond project- Stakeholder engagement strategy- Clear connection to project learning- Realistic scope for improvement- Understanding of your policy instrumentYour draft action plans should show:### Action Plan Quality- Resources beyond project funding- Political support for policy changes- Senior buy-in from partner organizationsGenuine Commitment to Change- Realistic action plan approach- Solid stakeholder engagement plan- Appropriate activities for knowledge exchange- Clear learning objectivesLogical Methodology- Real commitment from managing authorities- Mix of experienced and learning regions- Genuine complementarity (not just geographic coverage)Strong Partnership- Measurable improvement objectives- Concrete policy instruments to improve- Specific policy challenges identifiedClear Policy Focus### What Makes Projects Successful## Writing a Strong Application- Keep travel realistic (avoid “tourism” perception)- Staff costs often largest category- Typical project total: €1,000,000-1,500,000- Average partner budget: €200,000-400,000 for 4 years### Budget Guidance| Office & administration | 15% flat rate on staff costs || Equipment | IT, minor equipment (depreciation only) || External expertise | Consultants, speakers, event costs || Travel & accommodation | Project meetings, study visits, events || Staff costs | Personnel working on project (20% flat rate OR actual costs) ||———-|—————-|| Category | What’s Covered |### Eligible Costs| Norway, Switzerland | 70% || EU Member States | 80% ||——————|————–|| Partner Location | Funding Rate |### Funding Rate## Budget & Costs| Project start | ~10-12 months after deadline || Contracting | 2-3 months after selection || Selection decision | 6-8 months after deadline || Assessment period | 4-6 months || Application deadline | As specified in call || Call opens | Varies (check website) ||——-|—————-|| Stage | Typical Timing |### Timeline- Contracting (~3 months after decision)- Program Committee decision- Assessment scoring### Stage 5: Selection| Budget | Are costs reasonable and well-justified? || Impact | Will project lead to genuine policy improvements? || Methodology | Is the approach logical and likely to achieve results? || Partnership | Is partnership balanced, complementary, and committed? || Relevance | Does project address real policy needs? Is it relevant to program objectives? ||———–|—————|| Criterion | Key Questions |Proposals evaluated on:### Stage 4: Assessment- Implementation approach- Planned improvements- Policy instruments targetedAction Plans (Drafts):- Co-financing documented- Cost categories justified- Detailed budget by partnerBudget:- Stakeholder engagement strategy- Milestones and deliverables- Partner responsibilities- Activities by semesterWork Plan:- Expected policy improvements- Thematic focus and relevance- Partnership rationale- Problem statement and objectives**Project Design:**Submitted through Interreg Europe’s online system:### Stage 3: Full Application

• Monitoring Committee decision
• Grant offer and acceptance
• Subsidy contract signature
• Project start

Timeline

Budget and Costs

Eligible Costs

Budget Structure

Co-financing Requirements

Writing a Strong Application

What Evaluators Look For

Relevance (25 points)

• Clear link to program priorities
• Genuine need for interregional cooperation
• Realistic policy improvement goals
• EU added value

Partnership (25 points)

• Complementary expertise and experience
• Balanced geographic representation
• Strong commitment from policy authorities
• Clear roles and responsibilities

Approach (25 points)

• Sound methodology for exchange and learning
• Appropriate activities and outputs
• Realistic timeline
• Clear path from learning to policy change

Budget (25 points)

• Justified and realistic costs
• Value for money
• Appropriate balance across partners

Key Success Factors

Strong policy focus:

• Name the specific policy instrument each partner will improve
• Explain how the project will lead to actual policy changes
• Show commitment from policy decision-makers

Genuine need for exchange:

• Why can’t you solve this alone?
• What specific experience do you need from other regions?
• How will this lead to better solutions?

Clear learning methodology:

• Structured approach to identifying good practices
• Action plans for transferring lessons learned
• Realistic pathway from exchange to implementation

Insider Tips

Building Your Partnership

• Start with the policy challenge, not with finding partners
• Include policy authorities with decision-making power—not just agencies
• Balance is important: mix experienced and less experienced regions
• Limit partnership size: 5-6 focused partners beats 8 loosely connected ones
• Check partner capacity: Can they really dedicate staff time?

Developing Your Application

• Be specific about policy instruments: Name them, describe them, show who manages them
• Make the learning exchange concrete: What exactly will partners learn from each other?
• Show political commitment: Letters from mayors, regional presidents, etc.
• Plan for implementation: The project’s success is measured by actual policy changes
• Budget realistically: Most costs are staff and travel; external expertise should be limited

During Implementation

• Document everything: Policy changes need evidence
• Engage stakeholders beyond the partnership: Involve local businesses, civil society
• Focus on action plans: These are your core deliverables
• Start monitoring early: Don’t wait for year 4 to track changes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Conceptual Problems

• Not focused on policy: Research projects, pilots, or infrastructure don’t fit
• Too vague about policy instruments: “Regional development” isn’t specific enough
• No real need for exchange: Partners can’t explain what they’ll learn from each other
• Confusion with other programs: Interreg Europe ≠ cross-border Interreg programs

Partnership Issues

• Missing policy authority involvement: Agencies alone can’t change policy
• Unbalanced participation: One partner dominates; others are passive
• Geographic clustering: Most partners from similar regions (less diverse learning)
• Unrealistic commitments: Partners can’t actually dedicate promised staff time

Application Weaknesses

• Generic activities: “Exchange best practices” without specifics
• Weak action plan approach: No clear methodology for translating learning to policy
• Budget inconsistencies: Activities not matching budget allocations
• Missing stakeholder engagement: Only project partners involved

Frequently Asked Questions

Can private companies apply?

No. Interreg Europe is for public authorities and non-profit organizations. Private consultancies cannot be partners but may provide external expertise to the partnership.

What’s the difference between Interreg Europe and cross-border Interreg programs?

Interreg Europe is interregional (partners from any EU country focused on policy learning). Cross-border programs (like France-Belgium or Germany-Poland) fund cooperation in neighboring border areas and often support concrete projects.

Can we pilot new solutions?

Limited piloting is possible, but the main purpose must be policy learning. If you want to fund pilots or infrastructure, other programs are more appropriate.

What if we can’t change the policy instrument?

This is a real risk. If partners don’t have genuine commitment and capacity to influence their policy instruments, the project will fail. Secure political buy-in before applying.

Can organizations from Norway and Switzerland participate?

Yes, both countries participate in Interreg Europe, though funding arrangements differ slightly.

How competitive is it?

Success rates vary by call but typically range from 20-40% of eligible applications.

Can we work with partners from previous projects?

Yes, and it can be an advantage—proven collaboration. But add diversity to bring new perspectives.

Is Interreg Europe Right for You?

Strong fit if:

• You’re a public authority or public body
• You manage or influence a regional/local policy instrument
• You want to learn from how other regions address similar challenges
• You have political commitment to change your policies based on learning
• You can dedicate staff time over 4 years

Not the right fit if:

• You’re a private company or for-profit consultancy
• You want funding for research, pilots, or infrastructure
• You don’t have a specific policy instrument in mind
• You can’t commit to a 4-year project
• You only want to share your experience without learning from others

Interreg Europe offers something unique: structured support for regions to learn from each other and actually improve their policies. For public authorities serious about evidence-based policy-making, it’s one of Europe’s most valuable programs.